The Killowen Smallholding

Spring Courses - I still have space on the "working course" at Bodrezal Mill in Brittany - starting 20 May

Bordeaux Summer Course - There are still 2 spaces available on the 15 July course - click here.

Lots of Good Food - The students who came on our spring course were mightily impressed with the St Leger meals they enjoyed and suggested we put the week's menu up on the website.      Good food and good conversation are important features for all those looking for a more self-sufficient and satisfying style of life!

Sunday - dinner        Asparagus tips with garlic butter sauce
                                  Slow cooked beef in red wine with onions, mushrooms and carrots with mashed potatoes and broccoli
                                  Apple crumble
                                French cheeses
Monday - lunch        Cheese, newly baked bread and salad
Monday - dinner       Globe artichokes with butter sauce
                                Salmon and haddock fish pie with salad
                                French cheeses and grapes
Tuesday- lunch        Carrot and orange soup
                                Pate, cheese and newly baked bread
                                Fruit
Tuesday - dinner       Mushroom soup
                                Aubergine bake and salad
                                Fruit salad
                                French cheeses
Wednesday-lunch     Pate, hummus, cold meats and newly baked bread with green salad
Wednesday - dinner Fish soup
                                 Fresh mozzarella and tomato pasta with ratatouille
                                 Poached pears with chocolate sauce and crème frèche
                                 French cheeses
Thursday- lunch       Mushroom quiche and green salad
                                 Fruit
Thursday- dinner     Chilled courgette and cottage cheese slices
                                 Homemade sausages, mashed potatoes and green beans
                                 Lemon ricotta cheesecake
                                 French cheeses
Friday- lunch        Onion soup, cold sausages, hummus and tomato salad
Friday- dinner         Asparagus tips with garlic butter sauce
                                Sautéed duck breast, roast potatoes and roast vegetables
                                Cold lemon ricotta cheesecake, crème frèche and fruit salad
                                French cheese

Vegetarian options provided. Meals are served with an excellent local Bordeaux red wine bottled by students

Volunteers Still Wanted - Many thanks to those who have already volunteered for work during June. I'm still looking for potential longer term volunteers to continue the work during the rest of the summer and into the winter. Lovely wild spot - good food, hard work, a great opportunity for those with energy and a sense of humour. Food and accommodation provided. Drop me an email if you are interested - wllmsutherland@gmail.com

Will Sutherland runs self-sufficiency courses in France, teaching the methods and philosophy developed by John Seymour. Will worked for over 10 years with John Seymour in Ireland and, with John, created the New Complete Book of Self Sufficiency published by Dorling Kindersley. In 2010 we took our courses to the wine growing region near Bordeaux where the warm weather, swimming pool and excellent local wine made a nice change from the cooler climes of Ireland.

What our students said:
        "Thank you so much; we really enjoyed the course and found it VERY interesting and helpful. And what a beautiful place in which to do it!"

        "Thank you for the wonderful holiday. The food has been amazing and we have really enjoyed the Class. You have a beautiful place here."

        "Such great people. Such strong spirits. Great to know you guys!!"

"The training and experience at St Leger was the best birthday present I could have had. Your book and your work have opened up for us a better way to enjoy life in harmony with the land and nature."

Home made beer, sausage and quiche End of the day at basket making Students embarking on block laying

The John Seymour School for Self Sufficiency